The best time to visit Greece

Greece is renowned for its picture-perfect landscapes, heavenly beaches and laid-back island life. But there’s a lot more in your vacation than soaking up the Mediterranean sun, when you can explore countless ancient sites, charming villages, unique urban landscapes, as well as incredibly rich culture and traditions.

But the question remains: when’s the best time to go to Greece? Most travelers would argue that it’s the summer, but the truth is that this country is a year-round destination, offering different opportunities depending on the weather and the season.

To help you choose the perfect time for your trip, we'll break down what each season has to offer:

The breathtaking archeological site of Knossos in Crete

July & August: sun, sea & fun

Summer in Greece has been legendary for and for a good reason. July and August are the peak travel season, when the islands come alive, the sun shines strong, and the sea water is warm and irresistible.

However, the summer charm comes along with the crowds, especially in the more popular island destinations, such as Mykonos and Santorini. If you love the fuzz and the buzz of a lively vacation, Greece in the summer is unlikely to disappoint.

Why visit Greece in the summer months

If you’re all about a beach holiday and soaking up the sun, summer is the best time to visit the Greek islands and other seaside destinations. With daytime temperatures normally ranging between 30°C and 38°C (86°F to 100°F), these are the perfect conditions for swimming, sailing, water sports, and lounging by the sea.

The long daylight hours –until 21:00 or 20:00 depending on the month– mean you can enjoy those late dinners at the tavernas, while the streets and bars are bustling with life well into the night.

What to do in Greece in peak season

• Island hopping: deep into the summer, the Aegean and Ionian islands are at their peak, so this is the perfect time to jump from one paradise to the next. Popular ferry routes include hopping between the Cyclades (e.g. Santorini - Mykonos, Paros - Naxos, Mykonos - Tinos), exploring the hidden gems of the Dodecanese (e.g. Rhodes - Kos), or touring the Sporades islands (e.g. Skiathos - Skopelos).
• Water activities: with warm, welcoming seas, you can swim, snorkel, dive, and explore the beautiful seabeds to your heart's content. And if you are a fan of water sports, you can find beaches ideal for windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving in Paros, Tinos, Lefkada, Crete, and many more islands.
• Nightlife: summer in Greece is synonymous with lively festivals and nightlife. In July and August, the islands transform into party hubs, with international DJs spinning at beach clubs in Mykonos or Ios. And if you want to absorb as much of the local vibes as possible, there are hundreds of panigiria traditional festivals taking place, with Ikaria hosting the most popular ones.
• Festivals and arts: if you prefer culture, there are numerous concerts and theater performances at open-air venues, such as the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. Plus, cinephiles will be thrilled with the ambience of open-air cinemas, one of Greece's summer highlights.

The crystal-clear waters of Mikri Vigla beach in Naxos, perfect for water sports

September & October: calm and culture

As the summer heat begins to ease, fall offers a more relaxed atmosphere to explore the natural wonders and cultural scene in Greece. Its first two months, normally considered as shoulder season, combine the advantages of a mild summer weather and a post-high-season calm.

September is often considered as the best month to go to Greece, as the weather is still warm, the sea temperatures are perfect, and the crowds begin to melt away. Crowds are even thinner in October, which is the best time to visit the southernmost destinations in Greece, including Crete (Chania, Rethymnon, Gavdos, etc.) and Karpathos, and catch the last glimpses of summer.

Why visit Greece in early fall

With temperatures normally ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), fall is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities in Greece. September and October are also two of the busiest months when it comes to festivals and cultural events both in the city (Athens, Thessaloniki, etc.) and around the islands.

Plus, with the grape and olive harvests happening, it’s a great time to dive into local culture and cuisine. Vineyards, particularly in islands such as Kefalonia, Sikinos or Santorini, open their doors for wine tasting tours. You can discover the top Greek islands for wine and cheese lovers on Ferryhopper.

What to do in Greece in early fall

• Cultural tours: fall is the perfect season to explore the archeological wonders and cultural sights of Greece. From the ancient ruins of Olympia to the monasteries of Meteora, and from the Acropolis of Athens to the Minoan palaces of Knossos and Phaestos in Crete, the cooler weather makes sightseeing much more enjoyable. Plus, you get to avoid the long queues of the summer.
• Food and wine festivals: September marks the beginning of the harvest season, and you can find numerous food and wine festivals across the country. This is the month to try Greece’s finest olive oil, cheeses and freshly pressed wine. Don’t miss the Aegina Fistiki (Pistachio) Fest and the Naxos Potato Festival as well.
• Hiking and nature walks: the Greek islands and mainland alike offer stunning trails during this season. The oak-tree paths of Kea, the verdant trails and waterfalls of Andros, and the awe-inspiring sea views of Serifos look their best in early fall. Crete’s Samaria Gorge is also a must-do in fall when temperatures are cooler and the scenery more vibrant.

Tip: September is also the best time to visit Greece’s Santorini without the peak-season crowds. You’ll still get that famous sunset view, but with more space to enjoy it! The same applies for other popular islands, such as Mykonos or Milos.

The heart-melting from Oia in Santorini

April to June: blossoms and tradition

Spring is when Greece starts to wake up after a quiet winter, with mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and fewer crowds –making it an ideal season for those who love the outdoors. It is also the Greek Orthodox Easter season, whose unique traditions are worth exploring.

By the end of May, temperatures start to rise to officially welcome the summer in June, the perfect month for a peaceful beach vacation.

Why visit Greece in spring & early summer

The weather is just right for sightseeing and exploring the countryside, with daytime highs typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It's ideal for hiking through ancient trails, such as the ones around Mount Olympus, immersing in the mystical atmosphere of the Delphi sanctuary, or strolling through the olive groves and blooming landscapes of Crete.

The Greek islands are beginning to open up, but they’re still relatively chill, so you can easily catch that postcard-worthy photo without the summer throngs.

What to do in Greece in spring & early summer

• Easter in Greece: one of the most important holidays in the country, Greek Orthodox Easter (usually in April) offers a unique cultural experience with religious processions, fireworks, and local customs. The fiery celebrations and spectacles in the islands of Corfu and Chios create indelible memories. Take a look at our favorite 6+1 islands in Greece for Easter holidays.
• Exploring Athens: with fewer tourists, it’s the best time to wander around the streets of Plaka, visit the iconic Acropolis, and soak in the city’s vibrant urban culture and bar scene.
• Hopping around the Saronic islands: Moreover, early summer is the ideal season for an island-hopping adventure in the Saronic Gulf, so you can combine a beach vacation with your stay in Athens. The lush islands of Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, and Poros are just a stone’s throw from the capital and will steal your heart.
• Outdoor adventures: enjoy hiking, biking, or even kayaking in places like Pelion or Meteora, where nature is at its finest.

Tip: if you’re visiting in late spring, consider heading to the islands like Rhodes, Kythira or Naxos, where the weather is warm enough for a swim, but the beaches are still relatively quiet.

The majestic architecture of Hydra island close to Athens

Final thoughts: when will you visit Greece?

There’s no wrong time to visit Greece; it all depends on the kind of experience you’re after. Whether you wish to relish the buzzing summer atmosphere or discover Greece’s authentic side during the off-season, there’s always something new to discover, no matter the season!

Tip: maybe the best time to go to Greece for you is sweater weather? Check out the top Greek islands for a winter trip in our dedicated guide!

So, have you decided when to visit? Or perhaps you’re thinking of coming back to experience Greece in a different season next time? Whenever you choose, be sure to savor every moment and make memories that you will cherish for a lifetime!

The imposing Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes island

And once you pick your favorite season, book ferry tickets for your Greece island-hopping adventure on Ferryhopper without hidden fees! Don’t know which island to choose? Take a look at our Greek-islands guide for dummies!